Kerala, known for its lush landscapes and abundant water bodies, has set bold clean energy goals. The state aims to be completely powered by renewable energy by 2040 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

With its growing demand for power, the state faces the twin challenge of meeting energy needs while cutting emissions. To meet this challenge, Kerala will need to diversify its clean energy mix, tapping a range of renewable technologies that account for its unique geography, eco-sensitive zones and land-related constraints.

A recent working paper by WRI India lays out a comprehensive Technology Assessment Framework (TAF) that evaluates technical feasibility of emerging technologies, as well as associated environmental, economic and social considerations. This blog provides an overview of the key technologies that can help accelerate Kerala’s clean energy transition.

Wind Energy

Kerala began harnessing wind energy in the early 1990s, yet its current installed capacity remains only around 70 megawatts (MW) — a fraction of its estimated 2,600 MW potential.

This is partly because utility-scale wind farms in Kerala are limited to certain pockets, constrained by prevailing wind conditions. It is difficult to transport wind turbine components to higher reaches while limited availability and high costs are major barriers to acquiring land.

The state government can consider implementation of wind energy projects on government-owned land and initiate road surveys to ease the transportation of wind turbine parts. Smaller-capacity turbines that suit the state’s terrain can be explored while a single-window clearance will help streamline project approvals and permits.

Solar Power

Solar power offers the largest potential for rapid scale-up. Kerala’s total solar potential is estimated at 10,900 MW. However, current installations stand only at about 1,787 MW (as of mid-2025). Acquiring land for developing large-scale projects remains a key challenge.

While leasing land available with government entities is an option, rooftop and floating solar systems will be critical. Thanks to government subsidies and schemes like PM Surya Ghar, rooftop solar adoption has accelerated. However, barriers persist, including poor installation quality and limited after-sales maintenance services. Additionally, rooftops in older buildings are often not suitable for solarization.

With an estimated potential between 3 and 8 gigawatts, Kerala’s reservoirs and inland waterbodies can offer a low-impact way to expand floating solar, but these sites must be selected carefully to ensure that aquatic life and local livelihoods remain unharmed.
 

Working Paper | Assessing Technologies for Expanding Renewable Energy in Kerala

Explore more insights from our Technology Assessment Framework (TAF) here.

Small Hydro Power

Small hydro technologies are fairly mature in Kerala. The state’s small hydro potential is estimated at 647 MW while the current installed capacity is at 276 MW. However, small hydro power (SHP) projects in the state routinely face delays due to lengthy clearance processes, mainly due to environmental concerns.

Instituting mechanisms to expedite clearances without compromising environmental and social norms and leasing government-owned land to developers can help leverage the potential of SHPs. Raising awareness among Local Self Government (LSG) institutions, cooperatives and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) about the potential of SHP development can further accelerate growth in this sector.

Biogas

Kerala’s bioenergy potential is estimated at 778.41 MW, while existing large-scale biomass cogeneration and waste-to-energy (off-grid) plants total only 2.5 MW. Bioenergy in the state is largely harnessed through smaller biogas plants.

Although biogas plants have been used in Kerala for over two decades, adoption has remained limited and is largely subsidy driven. The state has about 1.54 lakh biogas plants (as of March 2023), but only 4,208 plants were installed between 2018 and 2022.

Most face issues with maintenance, slurry disposal and inconsistent feedstock supply. Streamlining the availability of feed stock using seasonal fruits and crops, workforce skilling and identifying locations and methods for slurry disposal could turn biogas into a reliable renewable option for the state.

Wave Energy

With favorable sea conditions and a long coastline, Kerala has an estimated 4,900 MW of wave energy potential. Despite an early pilot in the 1990s, the technology has not advanced due to high costs, limited policy support and lack of private sector participation.

Targeted funding for R&D, pilot-scale projects, and partnerships with organizations such as the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) can support its development and adoption. Given Kerala’s coastal geography and land constraints, wave energy could become a valuable addition to the state’s renewable mix in the long term.

Energy Storage

Energy storage systems are essential for balancing Kerala’s grid, especially to mitigate peak time shortages and meet variations in renewable energy generation. The state is exploring both Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH). BESS uses rechargeable batteries, while PSH uses water reservoirs at different elevations to store excess electric energy.

PSH, while a proven and efficient technology with an estimated 4,400 MW of potential, is not currently operational in the state. Development timelines and costs for PSH are comparable to large hydropower projects.

In the case of BESS, while pilot projects are under development, other technologies and ancillary systems such as cooling and grid integration are in nascent stages. BESS technology also faces challenges relating to supply chains and manufacturing facilities.

Green Hydrogen

Kerala is positioning itself as a hub for green hydrogen production and export and already hosts industries that use hydrogen. In Thiruvananthapuram alone, the projected demand is about 1,800 tonnes a year.

The state is developing its Green Hydrogen Policy along with green hydrogen certification guidelines and standards. In February 2023, the government allocated INR 200 crores for the development of green hydrogen hubs in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. It also approved a proposal for setting up a center of excellence in green hydrogen and developing green hydrogen pilot projects.

However, the required supply chains and technologies are still being developed. Recycling and end-of-life management of electrolyzer technologies are important aspects that must also be carefully considered to avoid negative environmental impacts.

Strategic assessment and deployment of technology is essential for ensuring that Kerala’s shift towards clean energy is not only successful but also serves people, nature and climate. The state can finalize key policies — especially those in the draft stages, ensure adequate funding for R&D and pilots, and build a skilled workforce to bring clean, reliable energy closer to communities and drive a more inclusive transition.